Abstract
This study examines the habitat suitability for the downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) for a parcel of land in Gourdneck State Game Area (GSGA), Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Land within GSGA has undergone habitat restoration from forest and shrub to savanna and prairie, intentionally excluding two parcels. This study took place on one of the excluded parcels. We used the Habitat Suitability Index Model created by the Fish and Wildlife Service to determine suitability. We measured basal area and number of snags in 0.4 hectares to determine the food and reproduction life requisites that are the basis of the Habitat Suitability Index Model for the downy woodpecker. Results revealed that the study site is ideal for the reproduction life requisite but the food life requisite could be improved with habitat management. While the study site is not optimal for both variables, we suggest that management could cull some snags that would make this site more suitable for the downy woodpecker.
Recommended Citation
Fojtik, Emma and DeChano-Cook, Lisa M.
(2016)
"Downy Woodpecker Habitat Suitability in Gourdneck State Game Area, Michigan,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 57:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol57/iss1/2